Nanoplastics in the oceans: Theory, experimental evidence and real world. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piccardo, Manuela; Renzi, Monia; Terlizzi, Antonio
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 157(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Nanoplastics -- Polystyrene -- Reference materials -- Knowledge gaps -- Laboratory experiments -- Dynamic phenomenon; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This review critically analyses >200 papers collected by searching on Pubmed the word "nanoplastics", a group of emerging contaminants which are receiving growing attention. The present review intends to provide an overview of current knowledge on nanoplastic pollution starting with the theory of polymer degradation, passing to laboratory confirmation of nanoplastic formation and ending with the possible occurrence in sea water samples. Most of the observations proposed focus the attention on polystyrene (PS) because the majority of research knowledge is based on this polymer. Moreover, we thoroughly describe what effects have been observed on different organisms tested in controlled conditions. Nanoplastics formation, fate and toxicity seem to be a very dynamic phenomenon. In light of this, we identify some aspects retained crucial when an ecotoxicological study with nanoplastics is performed and which elements of nanoplastics toxicity could be deeper covered. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: This review critically analyzed literature to point out lights and shades of NPs issue. Current knowledge on degradation and occurrence of NPs in oceans are presented. Nanoplastic formation, fate and toxicity is a very dynamic phenomenon. Greater attention should be put on concentration, reference materials and behaviour. A precautionary principle is appropriate and take a position is difficult right now.